Post #368 - May 16, 1944 In the Three Years of Our Marriage You Were With Me Only One and I Can’t Even Imagine that It Might Be Diana Jean

 

May 16, 1944 

Dearest Sweetheart,

Here are those two snaps I told you about. What do you think? I worked eight hours for Miss Hahn today, instead of Thursday as we had planned. 

A copy of the cablegram and your letter of May 11, discussing contentment and the better things of life, was in the mail this morning. I agree with you to a great extent, but there are quite a few points I'd like to make. You say you won't try to make more money unless you can't manage on what you shall be earning. Do you think I would have allowed you to stay at S & D if we could not manage? Not on your life! We were able to manage then, but since then I've learned an awful lot, which, I am sorry to say, you haven't. In the three years of our marriage you were with me for only one and during that time, dearest, you made close to $50 per week, while working overtime and we had no trouble whatever where money was concerned. When I set that $60 figure I knew what I was talking about. Don't worry, sweet, I have no visions of getting rich, I just want to be comfortable. Do you remember what life was like when you were in the Infantry? Well, raising kids, keeping a house and doing all the housework yourself, working from early morning to the wee hours of night, feeling so tired you have to push yourself around to keep going and little recreation don't make for peace and contentment either. 

 

Phil, you committed yourself to fatherhood, you accepted a wife - and a home, all of which depend on you and expect a great deal of you, regardless of the sacrifice. You wanted me to set a different goal for you - that you be content with me and Adele, to cherish us, to be always kind, cheerful and considerate, no matter what and to provide for us to the best of your ability. I notice that you didn't forget the "providing", for you do realize just how important it really is. Perhaps I shouldn't have said exactly $60, but I do know that it will take that much to provide for us decently, once we are reorganized. I don't give a hang if you remain a clerk at S & D for the rest of your life, as long as you provide for your family so that they may be comfortable. Good enough? 

My dad has the same philosophy, and if it hadn't been for my mother our family would have been out in the street many times. If my mother hadn't gotten him out of his job at Parkway he'd still be killing himself there. It did require ambition and it would make his life easier not slaving away every night. In a way he too had ambition to stick to it so long. Yet, I've found very few people with a decent income (to allow for same saving and a few pleasures beside a comfortable home, good food and nice clothes) who are not satisfied. Those four things make for a good living, if the persons concerned appreciate them for what they are. I know we do. You've never heard a complaint from me when such was the case and you know it. You were never happy when I kept tabs on our income down to the last cent. Neither was I. When the time comes let us be sure that it won't happen again. I'll be happy and content feeling that way and if you are interested in my peace and contentment you will understand why I feel thusly. I don’t mean to set any goals for you or even to tell you what to do (I know better) but that's the way I feel and I know you will do your best to keep me feeling happy. I promise not to mention the subject again, til we can talk about it. 

Sorry, sweet, that I had to "sermon" but let's forget about it, until we must do something about it, as you say. The mark below was made by Adele. I have the typewriter on the dining room table and every once in a while she stops to type. She reaches upon under the cover and gives one bang, bunching up all the keys. 

May 17, 1944 

I was terribly sleepy, so much so that I simply had to let this go and hit the hay. Adele had me up all night long the previous night and my eyes would not stay open. She cut through her 11 and 12th teeth and has four more to go to complete the set. Then come the two-year molars, the four upper and lower teeth in the very back of the mouth, I'm "due" this weekend and am feeling it already. 

I cleaned the living room set, put camphor in it and put the covers back on this morning. I still have to camphor all the winter clothes. My bouquet had to be thrown out this morning, but Mom's is still nice. 

Your long typewritten letter of the 12th came today and made most interesting reading. My Mom has asked me to apologize for not writing to you on several occasions and will her write soon. Anne Furr’s address is 1640 University Ave, Bronx, N.Y. I’ll tell my Dad to write, too. Then you go on to say how "these balmy Spring days inspire many, many thoughts of "home", Evvie" and do I have any good ideas. I shore nuff do, honey - come on right home and I'll show you. Nine and a half months is a long time! 

Last night there was a report on the radio that every single U.S. soldier, sailor, etc. had been checked for identity during the day. Eisenhower, doesn't want any "spy" trouble, they explained. 

Ruth wants me to go in town with her this evening and I think I shall. She wants to buy a cotton dress and I'd like very much to get myself a pair of shoes, If Adele will be a good girl and go to bed early I’ll appreciate it. When I say it's time to go to sleep - she says, "naw, naw, naw" She hates to go to sleep, so she doesn't take after you in that respect. 

Delayed this long enough to make a trip into town. We didn't leave til almost 7:30 and consequently had little time to shop. Ruth was unable to find a dress during that time, but I bought a pair of bright red linen baby doll (with the ankle strap) play shoes for $2.29. Think you'd like my legs in an ankle strap, sweet?" I almost bought a lovely two piece red and white striped dress, but it was too late to bother trying it on. 

I'm kind of weary rushing about and so I'll close now, dearest, with all my love and devotion and a big hug and kiss. 

Your Eve

16 May 1944

Dearest Chippie,

The reason I have not written on the 14th or 15th is enclosed. Hope it repays you in some measure for the two missing letters. Don't be too critical of the names of shows, concerts, et cetera, as it is really a blend of all my visits to London. Do not feel slighted either, that it is addressed to Phil. He seemed interested, in his most recent letter, in knowing something about what I have learned or seen these past months in England. I thought the enclosed letter would, in some measure, repay him for his kindnesses to you and Adele. I'm sending it in your care, Sweet, ’cause there may be some items of interest for you that I may have overlooked in my London letters to you. On the whole, I think you will find it a more detailed account than I could permit myself heretofore. Tell Phil that I ended it rather abruptly 'cause I wanted it to make the next post.

Nothing of any note has transpired these past few days. Yesterday was my day off and I took advantage of the break by “sleeping in” ’til 11 o'clock; showering and shaving after lunch; leafing through a few recently arrived magazines; and completing Phil's letter. In the evening, being most reluctant to continue writing, I decided to “keep” this until this morning. Instead, I sat in for a session of poker with the boys. The game broke up just in time to allow me to keep our date. When I took inventory, I found I was six bucks in the good, which didn't make me mad either.

The only mail I have received from you in the past three days, Sweet, is your V-mail of 7 May, which arrived yesterday afternoon. You indicate that you wrote a “longie” on the 6th, and I'm looking forward to receiving it. I'm looking forward, too, to Ruth's letter containing the snapshots.

I think, Baby, that the idea of taking in typing to be done at home is the happiest you've had to date. Why not insert an ad in the paper? It might pay dividends. It would please me mightily if you could develop this source of incoming to a degree where going out to work would hold no attraction or benefit for you.

Glad to hear that Jackie is fully recovered from his illness.

Any day now I'm expecting to hear of Dennis Jay's arrival. I can't even imagine that it might be Diana Jean.

The best news I've had for a long time is Adele's growing tendency to sleep through the night. The thought that your sleep was interrupted so often, and so consistently, was most distressing for me. In your letters, you conveyed very clearly how aggravating it was for you, Chippie. I earnestly hope she gives you no further trouble on this score.

I'll close now with all my love to the dearest Chippies in the world, and to Mom, whose letter I'll write any day now, and to Harry and Goldie, and to all the Pallers, and to all our good friends and neighbors.

Devotedly,

Your Phil

Post #367 - May 15, 1944 I Gather You are Nearer to London and A Letter from Gloria Strongin

 

May 15, 1944.

My Sweet,

Your “longie” typewritten letter of May 9 came this morning with a large portion and then apparently one word cut away, I gather you are nearer to London, being able to go there for 24 hours once a week. You certainly made the most of the 24 hours, and I don't blame you. I don't understand about the longevity pay. You aren't actually in the army three years, regardless of when you were inducted. I guess they figured the years instead of the actual time, huh? Yes, it is wonderful! ]

Adele is cutting her two bottom molars, one on each side, and I think they came through this morning. She won't let me put my fingers in her mouth and I'm afraid to put them there 'cause I've been bitten several times. Once she got excited about something while she was standing near me and bit the upper part of my leg, til blood came. That makes 12 teeth and all. Doctor Gayl was in the neighborhood this morning and stopped to talk with me (I was sweeping the pavement). I told him about Adele's feet (being pigeon-toed - on the right foot) and he said it is nothing at all and not to worry about it as she will outgrow it. He wants me to bring her down for scarlet fever injections and I'm sort of leary about. I think there are about six injections in all. They are given every five to seven days and 99% of all the children get very ill from them. I hate to start now since it is so hot, and if she did become ill I would have to keep her in the crib and it is positively stifling in our room at times. I don't know what to do, but, undoubtedly, I'll wind up giving her the injections. Her sleeping is vastly improved and she usually doesn't disturb me more than once twice, or possibly three times during the night.

The flowers continue to look good. I cut the stems, changed the water and put a little salt in the water in the hope that they will last for the rest of the week. Again, sweet, I must say thanks - so much.

My brother became a Cpl. (We have a lot of Cpls, don't you think?) It seems to me they are passing out ratings left and right, or so it seems. T

Fay gave me the two snaps we took along time ago and I'll mail them off tomorrow. Mom spent last night at Ethel's and is coming home this evening. She wants to see the snaps before I send them off. Fay, Morris and son left for S. Carolina this afternoon. Anne called home and is spending another week with Tony. Jean Levin is in the army (as far as I can learn) and is stationed at Ft. Meade. Everyone is scattered far and wide. What a life - phooey!!

Goldie had a nice letter from Jack S. today. In it he pictures the family once united and he says “Phil be sitting beside Ev and eating widdle Adele's ice cream cone.” Boy, does she know you! Room to say I'm keeping “our date” faithfully and I love you, my darling. Adele repeats: I love you, too, Daddy. A kiss on one cheek from Adele and a kiss on the other from

Your Eve

MRS. JACK STRONGIN

BRONX 60, NEW YORK

2006 Honeywell Avenue 

Monday, May 15, 1944 

Hello Phil, 

Here are the snaps of the kid brother and my husband - isn't he (almost said "aren't they") cute? Had them enlarged for you - the same exuberant Jack (as you say) with an emphatic stress on the clean side of life, eh what? 

Really waited for definite news from my girlfriend re those Hershey bars I hope to send you. Don't know where Ev got the idea that I have them on hand. I wish I did, but I was only promised a priority on the first box of them that her concern (a wholesale drug house) receives. Checking on this vital question, I am assured that my friend has me in mind, and also expects a shipment shortly. Such is the sad, but hope-inspiring news on this subject, to date. 

Also checked with Service Men's Service, re Post War Education Plan for Veterans. The Bill of Rights for Service Men (of which the educational feature is part) has passed Senate and is now being debated on in the House of Representatives. Will let you know as soon as I know the outcome of this wrangling. 

Saw The Genshafts the other day. Carl is in North Africa I hear and expects to go into action.

I called Philly yesterday - to convey a personal Mother's Day greeting to the Mothers of the house. Spoke to Ev and Mom and both were thrilled by the flowers you had sent -- and a lovely gesture it was, Phil. I had planned to be in Philly this week-end, but had a cold and wanted to get rid of this first. 

At any rate, I hope to see the folks next week-end. Anne and Sammy Nerenberg, another sister of mine, her husband and I are planning to go to Washington, and, of course, we’ll stop off in Philly. If this plan falls through (as the well laid plans of mice and men often do) I will make Philly my first and last stop for the week-end. Am looking forward to seeing the folks. Your punkin' grows by leaps and bounds, and every time I see her she is both bigger and cuter. 

Don't hear anything much new from Jack. He's very busy. Did he tell you about his learning Jewish - I hear he actually wrote mom directly. Imagine having to go to New Guinea - and learning Jewish there! 

Guess I'll close now. Hope I get the box of Hersheys soon.

Let me know what's doing in your end of the world.

’Bye now.

Love ---

Glo 

Post #366 - May 14, 1944 First Flowers and Now Cablegrams

 

May 14, 1944

Beloved Phil, 

First, and before anything, considered yourself soundly hugged and kissed. How can we tell you just how surprised we all were. I was, tremendously! I simply did not expect it of you - the surprise I mean, and I love it! Mom was equally surprised, saying that you never was that way, meaning so sentimental. You "hit home" in each case and it was a great thrill for each of us. The flowers are lovely, beyond words, and I wish very much that you could see our living room at this very moment. It smells and looks, beautiful, as you have always pictured it. My bouquet, which consists of pink roses (6) and pink carnations (8) and lots of fern is in the frosted glass vase and is standing on the end table near the sofa. The living room set covers are off and the color combination of the blue-green sofa, pale gray wall, dark table and pinkness of the flowers gives an eye-filling effect. Mom’s bouquet is in an orange vase and stands on the table leading up the staircase. I don't know the names of the flowers contained therein, but the colors are white, yellow, purple, rose-colored tulips and purple and orange-like iris. It's gorgeous and I can't stop gazing. Your picture stands beside my bouquet, honey, and you are very close. 

My bouquet arrived at 7:45 this morning. My mom’s arrived simultaneously. Mom's didn't come til about 11.

Gosh, honey, I'm "all full up" and overflowing. My mom is excited as a ten year old and is showing everyone the bouquet she received from her "wonderful son-in-law." (she says "son"). 

I'm wearing a white blouse and my aqua pinafore, which is so tight I must let it out somewhere or discard it. Sarah combed the bottom of my hair into a lovely page-boy and Petey made two snaps of me (alone) in that outfit. (Adele was sleeping at the time). 

I should have posed with the flowers and didn't think of it til Petey left. I'll have him make up several if he can come over tomorrow. 

Mom opened all her gifts late last night (when Harry and Goldie returned from Ethel's with the two dresses they bought her) in the presence of Sylvia and 

Tante Bosh. The two dresses are nice, but don't fit and will have to be exchanged. Both Moms adored the brunch coats I bought and each one fitted to perfection. Mom's has a dark blue background with large rose and white and black flowers sprinkled throughout. It has a small sports collar and is a regular sports style, with a belt that ties in back. My mom's is a deep rose background with green, white and black flowers throughout.

 

(A little later). Well! Well! Well! My dear hubby, I simply cannot get over you. First flowers and now cablegrams. Your words warmed me through to the very core of my heart and even brought tears to my eyes. My first look at the flowers gave me the same feeling. Thanks so much for everything, Sweet. I happened to be sitting in the easy chair at 5, baby, and I was terribly close to you. 

We had a hailstorm last night, but it failed to cool off the heat we've been having. I didn't do anything of any account today, except think of you continually.

Rae is here for dinner - brought Mom a box of candy and Adele five chocolate bars. In closing I echo your sentiments: May we reunited this day next year.

Your Eve

P.S. If this seems short, dear, forgive me - I’m overflowing with love for you and can't seem to think clearly.

2.

I didn't think, at the time I wrote the first part of this letter, that I'd have time to write further. Just shows how mistaken one can be. I'm all by my lonesome and if you don't mind giving up a little sleep, I'd like, very much to make love to you and give you a few more details of this most wonderful day, and last night. 

Tante and Sylvia stayed til after 11. We had tea and cake (Sylvia brought the cake) and talked as is the case around the table. Milt wrote Syl of his feelings for her, so I guess that's "it". 

I was very weary last night, after a rather trying day, and could bearly keep my eyes open. You can understand, then, why I awoke at about 6:45 feeling as if I had forgotten to go to bed. I was in the process of dressing Adele, having dressed myself, when the door bell rang and young fellow yelled “Flowers!" I put Adele into the crib and ran i down to see what it was all about to find your lovely flowers. My mother called immediately, asking if I had received flowers since she had just received "a gorgeous bouquet". After placing the flowers in the vase, I fed Adele, had breakfast myself, cleaned our room, mopped and swept the rugs in living and dining rooms; about this time Mom's bouquet arrived and I busied myself with the arrangement of the flowers.

My dad was going to 11th St. to do some shopping and took Adele off my hands for a short while. In that short while I showered, washed and set my hair and washed some clothes. By then it was time for Adele's lunch, which consisted of lamb chop and peas and carrots, junket and a glass of milk. While she was napping I dressed and fixed and Petey made those two snaps I mentioned earlier. I sat on the bench in the front of the house and told him to be sure to include my "legs", dearest, for your benefit. He had to leave early (to visit his mother) and could not stay long enough to snap Adele. He promised to do so some time this week. 

When Adele awoke I dressed her in pink from head to toe (the dress she wore in the C. P. proofs), gave her some milk, and walked with her over to 4920 to see my mom's bouquet. We talked about this and that. Ruth gave my mother stockings and cash. I don't know what the others gave her and forgot to ask. A long time ago I asked my Dad to buy me two packages of chocolate chips so that I could bake you some choc-chip cookies and he finally got them for me. I can't use our oven,'cause the door does not shut, so I'll have to use my mother's some day when she's not too busy around it. I’ll let you know when I bake them, and it may not be for a while yet. 

Rae came over about 4 and Adele became friendly instantaneously. Adele climbs up and down the sofa, alone. She called Rae “Ra". She was playing with a small unnecessary paper book, which she tucks under her arms and makes believe she is going to go "bye-bye”. She runs from one room to another, picking up any dirt that chances to catch her eye and getting into most everything. She's a little devil at times! You know, dear, I believe she has a tendency towards being left-handed. She usually reaches for things with her left hand and I try hard to discourage it, by making her take things with her right, or staying on the right side of her, so that it makes it most logical for her to use the hand nearest me.

I did want to write on and on about my ever-growing love for you, dear Phil, but there isn't room and I'm so o o sleepy. Move over for

Your Eve 

P.S. (Jr.) Gloria called from N. Y. She will stop here next week enroute to Washington along with Sam, Anne, Freda and Morris. Her sister Lil had another 

boy last week. (Remember her?)

Post #365 - May 13, 1944 Seymour Treated Me to a Double-Decker Cone of Chocolate Ice-Cream Last Night and When the Reality of You will be the Reason for, and the Joy of My Existence

 

May 13th, 1944

Dearest One,

The mail this morning contained the following: a lovely Mother's Day greeting from Gloria, a v-mail Mother greeting from Jack, both of which were for Mom; two other greetings were for me—one from Jack, also a v-mail greeting and a card from Adele (sent by Goldie).

I skipped up to Broad St. this morning and bought the Moms brunch coats of the same design, but different colors, cost $4 each. Goldie and Harry bought her a slip and stockings and the Wymans and Chases both her two good dresses at my suggestion. She hasn't seen anything yet and won't til tomorrow. This afternoon a two pound box of chocolates came from Mom—from Lil. (More surprises)!

Guess who just walked in—Tant Bosch and Sylvia. They had several v-mails from Milt and he is also on New Guinea. He told a little about his trip: they left from Newport News, Va., went through the Panama Canal, stopped at New Caledonia and then off to New Guinea. I wonder if he'll meet up with Jack. Ben and Jack don't seem to be able to get together, not yet, anyway.

It was HOT today and I'm weary from a hard day's work. I took the covers off the parlor set and gave them an airing. I had a lot of washing and pressing to do. This hot weather is terrific when it comes to washing and pressing. I changed Adele twice daily, dressing her up in the afternoon.

Stuart ran a fever the other day and seems to be suffering with colds. Warm weather causes all sorts of troubles in babies.

Harry has been working seven days a week, having to make one or two special deliveries on Sunday mornings. The boss gave him a break by giving him this Sunday off. I'm surprised he's sticking to the job. It's a really tough job, and he sometimes doesn't get home til three in the afternoon, having started at three in the morning. They bought Stuart a gift and went there this evening.

I thought I would be able to obtain the finished pictures this evening, but have been notified that they won't be ready until May 18. Guess you'll have to wait, honey.

Seymour treated me to a double-decker cone of chocolate ice cream last night, and that's the first time he ever treated me. I was so pleased I gave him a kiss and was he embarrassed!

Guess you wouldn't be embarrassed if I kissed you, so pucker up, baby, ’cause here I come (as Adele would say, “num, num, num”). More, honey, I love you dearly, as if that is something new. I'm happy, though, to be

Your Eve

13 May 1944

Darling Chippie,

No mail for two days now, but when you consider that I have all your letters up to and including 4 May—it isn't anything to complain about. There was a letter today— from Phil. He tells about taking you and Adele for a ride to Reardon’s. He certainly seems to be fond of the kid. He noted and described her reactions to her first ride in a “cah,” her evident relish for “coke,” etc. His references to her are most complimentary, too. He wants me to write and tell him something about England. I'll try to oblige him tomorrow when I expect to have time for it. Tomorrow, too, I'll try to get off that long overdue letter to Mom.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened today, and I'm really at a loss. Last night I went to the early show to see Ann Southern in “Girl in Cover-alls” (one of the “swing-shift” Maisie series), and enjoyed the fresh, unaffected,“American” humor of it. Ann Southern as “Maisie” is cuter’n a bugs ear. James Craig, as the Air Force Lieutenant, is very handsome, and does yeoman's duty in handling his difficult role of appearing to be stuck on two gals. He plays it convincingly, which speaks well for his ability as an actor. I remember praising him in a previous letter. I'm satisfied now that my high opinion of him was justified. However, the star that rates the real bouquets is Jean Rogers. She plays a two-timing, scheming gal, without a scruple, and her role is contemplated to inspire contempt, but she is so beautiful that one finds it hard to reconcile her face with her assumed character. Handicapped as she is in her portrayal, though, she manages to put it over. With her face and figure, she can't miss—she is that lovely. Look to hear about her in the future.

I hit the sack early (the first time in weeks), and, I'm ashamed to say, fell asleep before 11 o'clock. I did keep our date, though, even if I was a half hour early. Tell you a little secret, Baby—don't breathe it to a soul! It seems I just can't picture us cuddled up in that chair—and still remain “respectable.” Somehow, and I blush to confess it, your shirt isn't where, in all decency, it should be. Your legs, even more delectable in retrospect, are invariably bare of shoes and stockings, and are draped most becomingly over the arm of the chair. Delicacy forbids that I go into detail as to what “measures” I adopt after that, but, if you remember how I reacted to your gorgeous gams on previous occasions, you should have a pretty good idea of the turns my fancy takes. Why can't I be a “gentleman” in this respect, Sweet? Is it because the wolf in me outweighs my finer instincts (if any?)? I know it isn't very sporting of me to take advantage of you this way, and I must ask your forgiveness, but, alas, the flesh is weak—.

Today was as all the others this past week, as far as the weather is concerned, the only difference being that I was sufficiently idle to allow thoughts of you and the punkin uninterrupted sway. At times like these, I find the lack of you very hard to take. My dreams and fantasies are so well rehearsed, that they come unbidden to torment me with their elusiveness. When I keep busy, and even when my mind is fully occupied with the business at hand idea, this concentration is apt to be interrupted by flashes of recurring memory that are too disturbingly “real” to be accepted with equanimity. Thus, I have felt your kiss just as surely as if you were close enough to bestow it and thrilled to it as if it were an actuality. In the same way, have your arms around me filled me with the infinitely dear sensation of peace and complete satisfaction—and in the night—those fuller excitements that are peculiar to the night, have left me vainly groping in my unconsciousness for a fuller realization of their tantalizingly desirous delights. My greatest disappointment in this respect has been that, with one or two exceptions, and in spite of my prodigious, though unconscious, strivings, I invariably fall just short of realizing complete satisfaction. Invariably, I awaken with the full consciousness that I have just missed something I would have given much to attain. The feeling of frustration is too painfully real to warrant my looking forward with any degree of anticipation to a recurrence of this particular dream. Even those “flashes” of feeling fully realized (in waking moments) are too tormenting brief to be gratifying. However, in the latter case, I can help myself by consciously remembering and prolonging the sensation of the unbidden, but most welcome, kiss or caress, whichever the case might be. My hunger for you, my darling, is so vast, and my need of you so great, that I find it necessary at times to “force” all the thoughts and recollections of you from my mind, if I am to be of any use whatever to myself and others. God grant that the time be not too long coming when I will have no need of banishing you thus from my consciousness; when the reality of you will be the reason for, and the joy of my existence. May He keep you and our sweet Adele, and all my dear ones in good health and in high spirits all the days of your lives. May He grant me the privilege of the opportunity to discharge my own responsibilities toward that end. Amen!

Lovingly, Your Phil

May 13, 1944

 

Dear Phil: 

Please excuse the paper, but I don't think I can put all I want to say in this letter on V-Mail. 

Pardon the delay in answering, but I wanted to find out what was happening with Snuff. He received notice that his appeal was rejected by a 3-0 vote and is waiting to be called. He will probably leave some time in June. Phil, what happens if he goes over his ninety days? June 17th will be 90 days since he took his physical. If he receives his notice before the 17th to leave after the 17th, is that alright? He would be awfully disappointed if he had to take another physical and didn't get the Navy.

Spoke to Evelyn a few times this week, but, as usual, we didn't talk of anything that amounts to much. 

As far as refraining from writing in " that devilish vein", now that I have a better understanding of you, it will be quite alright for you to write in any manner that you wish. I want you to feel that I shall appreciate and enjoy letters from you no matter in what “vein" they are written. 

I would like to clarify to you my motives for moving to my Mother's. In the first place, I was going to move to my mother's when Snuff left, so I left a few months earlier in order that we would have a chance to get around and see all our friends and relatives. My main reason for leaving, though, was because my in-laws did not want me to stay. It was just one of those things.

As you said in your letter, you would like to see the war over and all of us in a place of our own. No more than we would, my dear Phil. In the first place we have . . .

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. . .on our honeymoon we have my brother-in-law and his wife with us. After the war is over, it will be just as if Snuff and I had just gotten married. We will take a place of our own and furnish it from top to bottom and really begin to enjoy married life. 

I want you to know that Evelyn let me read the letter you wrote to her on your anniversary. Really, Phil, I have never read any thing so beautiful in my life. It is wonderful to have the faculty of expressing your thoughts in such a beautiful way. I envy you in that respect. It seems so simple to write a letter when you do it, and yet when it comes time for me to write, it is really an effort. I know what I want to say, but I don't know how to say it. May be when you come back, you will give me some lessons in letter-writing. 

As far as thinking of you occasionally, I think of you a great deal and can't help but wish this mess was over and you were back home. I think that we miss you almost as much as Evelyn does, but in a different way of course. 

As yet we have not seen "And the Angels Sing". It will not be here until the summer. 

We went to see the "Purple Heart" last night, and it unbelievable that there are such barbarians on this earth.

As far as the weather is concerned, we are having beautiful summer weather. No spring, for a change, 

I received your request and am ready to mail your package. I am having difficulties, because the package weighs 9-1/2 lbs. and I don't know what to eliminate. If you would send me another request, I will mail half now and half later. 

As far as asking you questions so that you will know what to write about, your letters are always interesting and very much looked forward to. You seem to be doing alright using your own imagination. 

I haven't forgotten my promise to send you some-pictures. In fact, this afternoon we hope to take some, and by the time I receive your next letter, I'll probably send some to you. 

Hal is quite grown up by now. He has 14 teeth and only has two more to go until his two year molars. He weighs 25-1/2 lbs. and still has blonde-hair-and-blue eyes. He picks things up very fast and is quite ahead of himself. I could go on for hours and hours about the things he does that are cute, but I guess you can imagine what they are from the things your daughter does. 

I think I have rambled on quite enough for one letter, so I shall wait until I hear from you again. 

As ever,

Dot

P. S. Don't forget that request.